Today

This afternoon marked the completion of my massage school program. Other than the logistics of graduation, my days involved with the massage institute as a student are finished. While I wait the anticipated 8-10 weeks for the Department of Health to issue my license, I will be able to spend so much more time with these individuals doing, well, whatever we want...

The Wonder of Twins

There are times that I find myself struck by the awesome-ness of twins. I feel well-versed in the Mother of Multiples role, but what is the experience of actually being a twin? What does spending such a significant amount of time with a sibling feel like -- from in utero, to birth, to tandem breastfeeding, to co-sleeping, to reaching each milestone more or less together? I find it easy to move through the hours, days, weeks, and months following the ebb and flow of motherhood without really stopping to contemplate the gratitude I feel in having twins. I truly appreciate both Anders and Jorja as distinct unique individuals -- along with their undeniable twin status.

A Trek to The Mailbox

A standard Mailbox Peak description from Washington Trails Association, "Wimpy hikers, turn the page. This trail offers nothing for you but pain and heartbreak." This trail offers hikers a hefty 1,500 feet per mile to climb.

What better peak to climb on a ridiculously wet and foggy day? None, of course. And so Dan, Jen, and I decided to open the 2010 hiking season with a mud slog up Mailbox Peak.

Pre-trail parking lot smiles.



An encouraging sign at the trailhead.



Dan and Jen shrouded in weather.



Nearing the summit.



Freezing at the summit with the infamous mailbox in the background.



Jen and her cheese stick.